Electromagnetic radiation frequency optimizing device and method with ambient heat conversion device

ABSTRACT

A device comprising a conversion channel including: a first end configured to accept ambient electromagnetic radiation, the ambient electromagnetic radiation having an initial frequency, a second end configured to allow the ambient electromagnetic radiation to exit, and at least two opposing walls connecting the first end and the second end, wherein the at least two opposing walls include one or more crystals, the at least two opposing walls being separated by at least one-half of a wave length; wherein when the ambient electromagnetic radiation interacts with the one or more crystals of the at least two opposing side walls, the initial frequency of the ambient electromagnetic radiation being repeatedly increased to an optimal frequency is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/566,966, filed Sep. 25, 2009.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The following relates to a device and method for optimizing and alteringelectromagnetic frequency using Doppler shifts of electromagneticradiation, and, more specifically, to embodiments having a conversiondevice to convert ambient heat into electricity.

BACKGROUND

Photovoltaic (PV) devices operate optimally when incidentelectromagnetic radiation (EMR) has an energy that corresponds closelyto the electron band gap of the PV material. Solar EMR is made up of acontinuous spectrum of frequencies and wavelengths. When a photon withan energy less than the electron band gap of a given PV material, thephoton lacks sufficient energy to move the electron from its valenceband into the conductive band, and the PV material produces no electriccurrent. When a photon has an energy greater than that of the PVmaterial's electron band gap, the electron is moved to the conductiveband, consuming the energy corresponding to the band gap, and the excessenergy (i.e. the difference between the incoming photon and the PVelectron band gap) is not utilized and otherwise lost, generally asheat. Using a radiation source having an energy optimized for theparticular PV material used in a solar cell array increases theefficiency of the PV material because less EMR is lost or wasted asheat, and more electricity is produced. Because of the rising demand foralternative energy sources, the need for an efficient alternative energyexists. A major deficiency in alternative energy sources, such as solarenergy, include low rate of conversion of EMR to electricity.

Therefore, a need exists for a device and method to increase efficiencyof PV cells and avoid excess loss of EMR by altering and optimizing thefrequency of incident EMR such that energy production in a PV cell ismaximized.

Moreover, the frequency of the vibration and the frequency of theradiation are directly related to a temperature of a substance.Typically, the higher the temperature, the greater the speed ofvibration and the higher the frequency of emitted radiation.Additionally, heat generally moves from a higher energy (temperature)location to a lower energy location. Thus, constant ambient heat fromhigh temperature locations and low temperature locations is a renewablesource of energy. However, the frequency of the radiation emitted byambient temperature matter is generally below the threshold necessary toproduce electricity using a photovoltaic cell.

Therefore, a need exists for a device and method to convert ambient heatinto electricity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first general aspect relates to an electromagnetic radiationoptimization device comprising a crystal undergoing a vibration, saidcrystal positioned in an opening having walls, wherein an interactionbetween an incoming electromagnetic radiation and said vibration of saidcrystal optimizes a frequency of said electromagnetic radiation.

A second general aspect relates to an electromagnetic radiationfrequency optimizing device comprising a first end having a separatorpositioned proximate said first end, a second end having a focusingmember positioned proximate said second end, at least two opposed wallshaving a reflective surface, wherein said at least two opposed wallsconnect said first end and said second end, and at least one absorptionarea located on said reflective surface.

A third general aspect relates to a method of optimizing electromagneticradiation comprising providing a channel having a first end, a separatorpositioned proximate said first end, a second end, a focusing memberpositioned proximate said second end, at least two parallel walls havingan reflective surface, wherein said at least two parallel side wallsconnect said first end and said second end, and at least one absorptionarea located on said reflective surface, determining an optimalfrequency relative to a usable frequency of a target, separating anincoming electromagnetic radiation into component frequencies, vibratingsaid at least two parallel walls, wherein said parallel walls contain atleast one crystal capable of vibration, directing said incomingelectromagnetic radiation toward said at least two parallel walls,wherein contact between said incoming electromagnetic radiation and saidvibration of said at least one crystal alters a frequency of saidelectromagnetic radiation toward said optimal frequency, and passingsaid optimal frequency through said second end.

A fourth general aspect relates to a method of providing a crystalundergoing a vibration, said crystal positioned in an opening havingwalls, wherein an interaction between an incoming electromagneticradiation and said vibration of said crystal optimizes a frequency ofsaid electromagnetic radiation, collecting said incoming electromagneticradiation from a source through said first end, shifting the frequencyof said electromagnetic radiation within said channel to achieve anoptimal frequency of said electromagnetic radiation; and positioning aphotovoltaic material a distance away from said channel.

A fifth general aspect relates to a device comprising a conversionchannel including: a first end configured to accept ambientelectromagnetic radiation, the ambient electromagnetic radiation havingan initial frequency, a second end configured to allow the ambientelectromagnetic radiation to exit, and at least two opposing wallsconnecting the first end and the second end, wherein the at least twoopposing walls include one or more crystals, the at least two opposingwalls being separated by at least one-half of a wave length; whereinwhen the ambient electromagnetic radiation interacts with the one ormore crystals of the at least two opposing side walls, the initialfrequency of the ambient electromagnetic radiation being repeatedlyincreased to an optimal frequency.

A sixth general aspect relates to a device comprising a first side walland a second side wall connected forming a conversion channel, theconversion channel having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst side wall is constructed out of one or more crystals and thesecond side wall is a reflective surface; wherein the conversion channelcaptures ambient infrared radiation having an initial frequency from anenvironment proximate the first end, and repeatedly increases theinitial frequency to an optimal frequency through a plurality ofinteractions between the ambient infrared radiation and at least oneatom of the one or more crystals making up the second wall, furtherwherein the at least one atom is moving toward the incoming infraredradiation during a single interaction.

A seventh aspect relates generally to a method of converting ambientheat to electricity comprising providing a conversion device including:a first end configured to accept ambient electromagnetic radiation, theambient electromagnetic radiation having an initial frequency, a secondend configured to allow the ambient electromagnetic radiation to exit,and at least two opposing walls connecting the first end and the secondend, wherein the at least two opposing walls include one or morecrystals, the at least two opposing walls being separated by at leastone-half of a wave length, utilizing vibration of one or more crystalsmaking up the at least two opposing walls, wherein the vibration causesatoms of one or more crystals to move in a direction towards theaccepted ambient electromagnetic radiation, and repeatedly increasingthe initial frequency of the ambient electromagnetic radiation throughinteractions with the at least two opposing walls until the ambientelectromagnetic radiation reaches an optimal frequency.

The foregoing and other features of construction and operation will bemore readily understood and fully appreciated from the followingdetailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the embodiments of this invention will be described in detail,with reference to the following figures, wherein like designationsdenote like members wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of an optimizationdevice while incident electromagnetic radiation enters the channel;

FIG. 2 depicts a numerical table of an embodiment of variouscalculations including the number of Doppler interactions for a givenfrequency;

FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged cross section view of an embodiment of avibrating atom of the side walls of the channel;

FIG. 4 depicts a magnified cross section view of an embodiment of avibrating atom moving in an identical direction as the electromagneticradiation;

FIG. 5 depicts a magnified cross section view of an embodiment of avibrating atom moving in the opposite direction as the electromagneticradiation;

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of an embodiment of movement of the side wallswhen undergoing vibrations;

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of an optimizationdevice wherein no planar surface connects side walls;

FIG. 8A depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of an optimizationdevice with a pair of minors placed between the side walls;

FIG. 8B depicts a top view of an embodiment of an optimization devicewith a pair of minors placed between the side walls;

FIG. 9 depicts a cross section view of an embodiment of an optimizationdevice, wherein a single crystal structure is used;

FIG. 10 depicts a cross section view of an embodiment of an optimizationdevice wherein a dual use, single crystal is used;

FIG. 11 depicts a cross section view of an embodiment of a plurality ofchannels in series and parallel; and

FIG. 12 depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of an ambient heatconversion device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown anddescribed in detail, it should be understood that various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the scope of theappended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way belimited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof,the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and aredisclosed simply as an example of an embodiment. The features andadvantages of the present invention are illustrated in detail in theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout the drawings.

Various embodiments of an electromagnetic radiation frequency alteringand optimizing device of the present invention may optimize incidentsolar electromagnetic radiation 80 into an energy range that may be usedin conjunction with a target, such as a photovoltaic material 70.Incident electromagnetic radiation 80 may include radio waves,microwaves, terahertz radiation, infrared radiation, visible light,ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and gamma rays. Optimizing solarelectromagnetic radiation 80 involves changing, altering, or shiftingthe frequency of the incident electromagnetic radiation 80 (andtherefore wavelength and energy level) using Doppler shifts. A Dopplershift may either “blue shift” or “red shift” incident electromagneticradiation to a desired optimal frequency. By performing multiple Dopplershifts, a desired optimal frequency may be attained.

A Doppler shift may change the frequency and wavelength of an incidentelectromagnetic radiation wave when the reflector is moving in relationto the incident wave. When incident electromagnetic radiation 80 isreflected off a surface that is moving generally in the oppositedirection as an electromagnetic radiation wave, a “blue shift” occurs,and the resulting reflected electromagnetic radiation has a higherfrequency than the initial electromagnetic radiation wave. Conversely,when an electromagnetic radiation wave is reflected of a surface whichis moving in a direction generally the same direction of theelectromagnetic radiation 80, a “red shift” occurs, and the resultingreflected wave has a lower frequency. By coordinating or synchronizingthe vibration of the plurality of crystals 17 comprising the innerreflective surface 15 and multiplying the effects of small Dopplershifts, an optimal electromagnetic radiation 85 may be obtained. Thus,the optimal electromagnetic radiation 85 has generally undergone blue orred shifts to achieve the desired optimal frequency before it is focusedtoward a target, such as a photovoltaic material 70.

FIG. 1 depicts a single stage channel 5 designed to optimize and alterfrequency of incident electromagnetic radiation 80. The channel 5 mayalso be referred to as a Doppler channel, pathway, opening, conduit,duct, fluting, passage, pipe, tunnel, cavity or the like. The channel 5may have a first end 10, a second end 20, a planar surface 7 connectingat least two side walls 25, 26. Moreover, the channel 5 may have aninner reflective surface 15, described in more detail infra. The shapeof the channel 5 may vary. In an exemplary embodiment, the channel 5will have two opposing, parallel side walls 25, 26, forming a 90° anglewith the planar surface 7; the at least two side walls 25, 26 may beseparated by a distance, d, which may vary depending on the desiredoptimal frequency. A separator 12 is positioned within the channel 5. Inone embodiment, the separator 12 may be positioned proximate the firstend 10. Also located within the channel 5 is a focusing member 13. Inone embodiment, the focusing member 13 may be positioned proximate thesecond end 20. Furthermore, at least one absorption area 14 is locatedon the inner reflective surface 15. In many embodiments, the channel 5may have multiple absorption areas 14.

The channel 5 may receive, accept, capture, and/or collect incidentelectromagnetic radiation 80 at the first end 10. When the incidentelectromagnetic radiation enters the channel 5 at the first end 10, itmay contact, pass through, reach, etc., the separator 12 which may belocated proximate the first end 10. The separator 12 may be any devicecapable of separating and directing incident electromagnetic radiation80 into its component frequencies by refraction, diffraction, orfiltering. In one embodiment, the separator 12 may be a prism. Inanother embodiment, the separator 12 may be a diffraction grating. Inanother embodiment, the separator 12 may be a system of filters. In yetanother embodiment, the separator 12 may be concave and/or convexminors. The separator 12 may also be any combination of theaforementioned devices.

The separator 12 may separate incident electromagnetic radiation 80 intocomponent frequencies and may direct the separated frequencies toward aside wall 25, 26 of the channel 5, with each frequency or group offrequencies targeted to a particular location within the channel 5.Furthermore, incident electromagnetic radiation 80 which may already beat or near the optimal and usable energy and frequency range for aparticular target, such as a photovoltaic material 70, may be separatedand directed by the separator 12 to travel straight through the channel5, with minor incidental or no reflective interactions with the innerreflective surface 15. As a result, the pre-optimal electromagneticradiation 83 may be immediately directed toward the second end 20 andphotovoltaic material 70, free from any frequency modification oralteration. The determination of whether the incident electromagneticradiation 80 is near or at optimal frequency may depend on theparticular photovoltaic material 70, and other variables known to thoseskilled in the art.

Other frequencies of incident electromagnetic radiation 80, otherwisenot useable by the photovoltaic material 70 may be separated anddirected by the separator 12 to be reflected off the at least two sidewalls 25, 26 of channel 5, where it may interact with the innerreflective surface 15. The interaction between the inner reflectivesurface 15 and the incident electromagnetic radiation 80 performs aDoppler shift to the otherwise unusable frequency for the photovoltaicmaterial 70. The Doppler shift performed on the incident electromagneticradiation 80 may shift, alter, change, etc., it to a frequency that maybe usable by the photovoltaic material 70. Because the otherwiseunusable incident electromagnetic radiation 80 may undergo a change infrequency to a desired optimal frequency (or within the photovoltaicmaterial's 70 usable energy range), the efficiency of a photovoltaicmaterial 70 may be increased. In one exemplary embodiment, the separator12 may separate and direct various frequencies of incidentelectromagnetic radiation 80 in different directions and may establishthe reflection sequence which may result in the proper Doppler shiftsaccording to the desired optimal frequency.

Furthermore, a focusing member 13 is located proximate the second end 20of the channel 5. The focusing member 13 may be any lens, grating,system of minors, a transparent medium, and the like. The focusingmember 13 may direct and/or focus all electromagnetic radiationtraveling through the channel 5 in a path not parallel to the side walls25, 26 to exit the second end 20 such that the optimal electromagneticradiation 85 exits the channel 5 and hits the target 70. For example,the optimal electromagnetic radiation 85, the pre-optimalelectromagnetic radiation 83, and incident electromagnetic radiation 80may exit the second end 20 at a 90° angle to the channel 5, or may exitthe second end 20 at any angle and spread outward, and come into contactwith a photovoltaic material 70. In an alternate embodiment, thefocusing member 13 may direct and/or focus exiting electromagneticradiation at angle greater or less than 90°. Moreover, wasteelectromagnetic radiation 87 (discussed infra) may not reach thefocusing member 13 because it is collected and/or absorbed by theabsorption areas 14; thus, 100% of the incident electromagneticradiation does not always pass through the focusing member 13.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, incident electromagnetic radiation80 that is not at an optimal frequency for the photovoltaic material 70(target) may enter the channel 5 at the first end 10 and reach theseparator 12, and may be directed toward the sides walls 25, 26 at anangle, Ø, calculated to achieve desired optimal frequency shifts as theincident electromagnetic radiation 80 reflects within the channel 5. Forexample, incident electromagnetic radiation 80 may enter the channel 5and need to undergo a “blue shift” to change, alter, or shift itsfrequency to fall within the usable range of the photovoltaic material70. The separator 12 may direct the incident electromagnetic radiation80 toward at least one of the two side walls 25, 26 at a calculatedangle, Ø, to perform the Doppler shift required to achieve the necessaryfrequency alteration. The incident electromagnetic radiation 80 that isseparated and directed by the separator 12 may be called directedelectromagnetic radiation 81. When the directed electromagneticradiation 81 reaches the inner reflective surface 15 at an angle, Ø, acontrolled, calculated Doppler shift may occur. A Doppler shift mayoccur when the directed electromagnetic radiation 81 interacts with theinner reflective surface 15 because of vibrating crystal atoms in thereflective surface 15. Moreover, if the contact occurs at a point in thecrystal's vibration where the crystal is moving generally in theopposite direction as the directed electromagnetic radiation 81, theresult of the interaction may be a “blue shift”, and the resultingfrequency may be increased.

The inner reflective surface 15 may be made up of a plurality ofcrystals 17, which may be suited for vibrating at high to ultra-highfrequencies. Alternatively, the inner reflective surface 15 may comprisea single crystal suited to vibrate at high to ultra high frequencies. Acrystal may be defined as a solid material whose atoms, molecules, orions are arranged in a repeating pattern extending in all three spatialdimensions. The inner reflective surface 15 may contain ultra-highfrequency vibrating atoms, which may or may not be made of crystals.Furthermore, the inner reflective surface 15, crystal, or plurality ofcrystals 17 may be comprised of Silicon, SiO₂, LiNbO₃, GaAs, GeAsSe,BaF₂, ZnSe, ZnS, Al₂O₃, ceramics, metals, carbon, diamond, beryllium,iron, brass, copper, tin, nickel, chromium, magnesium, barium titanate,zinc sulphide, tourmaline, hydrogen phosphate, magnesium oxide, siliconnitrate, silicon carbon, hafnium or any combinations or mixturesthereof. It is noted that reflective gasses and liquids may also beused, for example, enclosed in Plexiglas, which could be used as asubstrate or other structural material. In the various embodiments ofthe Doppler channel 5, the reflective crystal surface 15 may beattached, fastened, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the inner surfacesof the side walls 25, 26 of the channel 5. The reflective crystalsurface 15 may also be grown by using techniques that are well known inthe art, (e.g. the vapor-liquid-gas method or the surface diffusionmethod, among other methods). The side walls 25, 26 may be made of anymaterial that provides rigidity, structure, and allows for adherence orgrowth of crystals, and resists the moderate heat levels that maydevelop when the channel 5 may be continuously exposed to the heat ofthe sun, or other sources electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, theside walls 25, 26 may be smooth or may be uneven and rough, and may alsobe circular, rectangular, or may be just any practical shape.Accordingly, the side walls 25, 26 may be made out of materialsincluding, but not limited to, a metal, a plastic or thermal resistantpolymer, a suitable substrate for growing crystals such as silicon, andthe like. In an alternative embodiment, the crystals may form the sidewalls 25, 26.

In yet another embodiment, where a single crystal is used, the sidewalls 25, 26 may be comprised of a single crystal. In anotherembodiment, a plurality of crystals 17 may be placed on a structuralmaterial, such as a substrate. The optimization device 100 may only needa very thin shell to operate. For example, the thinnest material thatpossesses the desired characteristics and may be economical to machinemanufacture might be the best material to act as a shell around thecrystal or plurality of crystals 17. The advantage of using a shell maybe that less energy is required to achieve the vibrations of thecrystalline atoms. However, if the optimization device 100 does not needto be synchronized, or is designed to operate without synchronizedvibrations, than any construction material may be used to support theinner reflective surface 15, the crystal, or the plurality of crystals17. In most embodiments, the crystals will be placed on a substrate toprovide some support, which may be anything that does not adverselyaffect the performance of the crystals. In one exemplary embodiment, thecrystals may be embedded in Plexiglas covers to provide support, and mayallow the placement of the side walls 25, 26 and the separator 12 to befixed. For example, the side walls 25, 26 and the separator 12 andfocusing member 13 may be inserted in a panel of Plexiglas or they maybe placed on a workboard which could be covered with Plexiglas.

Positioned somewhere inside the channel 5, and located on the innerreflective surface 15 of the at least two side walls 25, 26 may be anabsorption area 14, or a plurality of absorption areas 14. Thisabsorption area 14 may be used to absorb incident electromagneticradiation 80 which would otherwise be wasted as heat. For example, theabsorption area 14 may collect or absorb unusable electromagneticradiation. Unusable electromagnetic radiation may be electromagneticradiation that may not be utilized by the photovoltaic material 70, orany given target. This unusable electromagnetic radiation may be knownas waste electromagnetic radiation 87. As waste electromagneticradiation 87 is absorbed by the absorption area 14, the temperature ofthe absorption area 14 may be increased. The absorption area 14 may bein conductive communication with the inner reflective crystal surface15, thereby allowing heat generated by absorption of wasteelectromagnetic radiation 87 in the absorption areas 14 to be conductedto the reflective crystal surface 15, and raise the temperature of theinner reflective crystal surface 15. As the temperature of the innerreflective crystal surface 15 rises, the atoms of the crystals mayvibrate with increasing frequency. The vibrations of the crystal causedby the absorption of waste electromagnetic radiation 87 may optimize(i.e. perform a Doppler shift) the incident electromagnetic radiation 80when there is an interaction between the incident electromagneticradiation 80 and the vibrations of the crystal. The absorption area 14may be made of a non-reflective surface, any optically absorbingmaterial, or any other material that may absorb electromagnetic energyand transform it to another form of energy, such as heat.

The presence of at least one absorption area 14 or more than oneabsorption area 14 located throughout the channel 5 may allow theoptimization device 100 to be completely self-sustaining. No externalpower or energy need be used to power the vibrations of the crystals,although an external electric current may be applied to the channel 5 toheat the crystals and power the vibrations. For example, the incomingelectromagnetic radiation 80 entering the first end 10 may be separatedand directed and may come into contact with a spot on the surface of oneof the side walls 25, 26 where an absorption area 14 is located. Thus,the absorption area 14 collects the waste electromagnetic radiation 87which would normally be wasted as heat, or is unusable, and may use itto generate the vibrations of the crystals. Advantageously, theoptimization device 100 may operate without requiring energy output froman external source. Accordingly, creating vibrations of the crystalatoms forming the side walls 25, 26 of the channel 5 by use of theenergy contained in the ambient temperature and/or the energy containedin the waste electromagnetic radiation 87 may properly and solely powerthe optimization device 100.

Moreover, the waste electromagnetic radiation 87 may be harvested andutilized to generate the vibrations in a number of other ways such asdirecting the waste electromagnetic radiation 87 to select areas of theside walls 25, 26 which are not reflective, in particular, towardsabsorption areas 14, such that the waste electromagnetic radiation 87energizes the crystals by the energy transferring by means of phononsthroughout the crystal causing the desired vibrations. In addition,after the incident electromagnetic radiation 80 passes through theseparator 12 and is separated into its component frequencies, wasteelectromagnetic radiation 87, such as waste portions of the spectrumlike infrared, may be directed towards the side walls 25, 26 at anangle, Ø, such that absorption occurs rather than reflection. Also, thewaste electromagnetic radiation 87 may be directed by a series of minorsto the edge of the side wall 25, 26 to induce vibrations. Furthermore,the side walls 25, 26 may be constructed out of a substance which mayreflect the higher frequencies but absorb the infrared portions of thespectrum, and this absorption may be utilized as the energy source forthe vibrations.

If a piezoelectric substance is utilized in comprising the side walls25, 26, such as quartz crystal, electricity and a feedback loop may beapplied to cause the substance to vibrate in a desired fashion. Afeedback loop may obtain a constant oscillation. Although, small amountsof energy may be needed to maintain the vibrations in a quartz crystal,the potential energy output, especially if sunlight is concentratedtowards the optimization device 100 should exceed the energy needed tocause and maintain the harmonic vibrations in the crystals. For example,mirrors may be used to capture and/or concentrate the sunlight from agreater area and direct it towards the optimization device 100. It isnoted that the energy produced by the solar cells prior to theactivation of the optimization device 100 may be more than sufficient toactivate the constant oscillation which may energize the side walls 25,26 (the crystal atoms). Likewise, reflected electromagnetic radiation 84is being both upshifted and downshifted, the net effect of the incidentelectromagnetic radiation 80, with respect to the channel 5, may beneutral.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a distance, d, between the two side walls 25,26, the length, L, of the channel 5 may be carefully calculated toensure that directed electromagnetic radiation 81 which undergoes a blueshift on its first interaction with the inner reflective surface 15reaches an opposite side 26 (if the first interaction was with side wall25) of the channel 5 and reflects off another crystal atom which is alsomoving generally in the same direction as the reflected electromagneticradiation 84, resulting in a further blue shift. Conversely, incidentelectromagnetic radiation 80 frequencies that need to undergo a redshift to become optimized may enter the channel 5 and follow the sameprocedure to perform a blue shift, except the contact between thedirected electromagnetic radiation 81 and the vibrating crystal atoms inthe inner reflective surface 15 may occur at a point in the crystal'svibration where the crystal is moving generally in the oppositedirection as the directed electromagnetic radiation 81, resulting in ared shift, and thus the frequency decreases. Moreover, the differencebetween the speed of light and the speed of a vibrating atom in thechannel 5 is so great that minor errors in calculated distances, d andL, may be harmless with respect to the Doppler interactions.

The vibration speed of the atoms in the crystal surface 15 may varydepending on temperature. As the temperature rises, the atoms may tendto vibrate faster. As the speed of vibration changes, the amount ofDoppler shift that occurs when the directed electromagnetic radiation 81interacts with the moving atom may change accordingly. By changing theambient temperature of the reflective material coating or comprising theside walls 25, 26, the amount of Doppler shift and the number ofreflections in a channel 5 may be changed. As incident electromagneticradiation 80 interacts with the side wall 25, 26 of the channel 5, theremay be some waste electromagnetic radiation 87, which may be lost asheat. The waste electromagnetic radiation 87 may be collected by theabsorption areas 14 to use the resulting heat from the absorption toheat the surrounding reflective surfaces 15, thereby increasing thefrequency of vibration. Furthermore, this heat may be used to impartenergy to the reflective surfaces 15 in order to provide energy toperform the Doppler shifts and vibrate the crystal atoms.

While it is understood that the directed electromagnetic radiation 81undergoes a number of Doppler shifts, the specific number of Dopplershifts that a particular frequency must undergo to reach a desired oroptimal electromagnetic radiation 85 may be calculated by observingcertain mathematical formulas regarding Doppler effect in light. Anumber of variables may be determined to calculate ΔF, which is thechange in frequency that occurs with each Doppler shift (i.e. eachinteraction between directed electromagnetic radiation 81 and innerreflective surface 15 undergoes a change in frequency equal to ΔF).Specifically, ΔF is the frequency of the source, Fs, minus the frequencyof the listener, FL, (ΔF=Fs−FL). The frequency of the source, Fs, is thefrequency of the particular incident electromagnetic radiation 80, andmay be known to those having skill in the art (See FIG. 2 for a table oftypical frequencies of various colors of the spectrum). The frequency ofthe listener, FL, may be calculated by observing an equation:

${F\; L} = {\sqrt{\frac{\left( {c - v} \right)}{\left( {c + v} \right)}} \times F\; s}$

-   -   wherein c=speed of light (299,792,458 meters per second) and        v=velocity of the light source moving towards the listener        It should be understood that other formulas may be used to        determine the frequency of the listener, and one having skill in        the art may calculate a weighted average from each formula to        determine the frequency of the listener. The velocity of the        light source moving toward the listener, v, may be also be        considered the speed of a vibrating atom. A typical atom        vibrates at a speed of 1,117 meters per second (2500 miles per        hour), but may vary considerably depending on, for example,        temperature. Thus, in one embodiment, v may be plugged into the        FL formula as 1,117 meters per second. Once all variables are        known, ΔF may be calculated, and in many embodiments,        ΔF=2.4×10⁹.

Next, calculating the number of Doppler shifts to be performed to reachthe optimal (target) electromagnetic radiation 85 may be achieved bysubtracting the source frequency, Fs, by the optimal (target) frequency,Fopt, and dividing the difference (Fs−Fopt) by ΔF (2.4×10⁹). Forexample, green light may have a source frequency, Fs, of 6.0×10¹⁴ Hertz(or cycles per second), and assume the optimal (target) frequency, Fopt,is 4.5×10¹⁴. Subtracting Fs (6.0×10¹⁴) by Fopt (4.5×10¹⁴), yields adifference of 1.5×10¹⁴, which may be understood as the required amountof Doppler shift (as a frequency). The required amount of Doppler shiftsmay then be divided by ΔF (2.4×10⁹) to calculate the number of Dopplerinteractions/shifts. In the instant example, the number of Dopplershifts needed to reach the optimal (target) frequency, Fopt, is 66,964.FIG. 2 includes a table calculating the number of Doppler shifts formultiple frequencies on the visible electromagnetic spectrum, but itshould be understood that the number of Doppler shifts may be calculatedfor frequencies other than visible light in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

Furthermore, the maximum speed in the vibration may occur when the atomis closest to equilibrium and stops at each end. The vibrating objectmust stop in each end of its vibration and reverse its direction. Thus,the meaningful useful portion of the vibration for a Doppler interactionmay only occur during a center phase (high velocity) of the vibration.The center phase may also be split in half to reflect the fact thatduring one part of the cycle the atom is traveling in one direction, andduring the second half of the cycle the atom may be traveling in theopposite direction. For example, to shift the frequency of directedelectromagnetic radiation 81 in one direction, only approximatelyone-quarter of each vibration cycle may supply the useful velocity inthe appropriate direction for the desired Doppler interaction. However,if there are at least two different optimal (target) frequencies, Fopt,and the source frequency, Fs, is between the optimal (target)frequencies, both halves of the center phase (high velocity) of thevibration cycle may be used. Moreover, when the vibration is in onedirection, the Doppler shift may occur towards one desired frequency(i.e. a red shift) and when the atom vibrates in the opposite direction,the useful portion of the vibration cycle in the opposite direction mayresult in a converse Doppler shift (i.e. blue shift). However, if all ofthe optimal (target) frequencies, Fopt, are either below the sourcefrequency, Fs, only one-quarter of the vibration cycle which suppliesthe useful velocity in the appropriate direction for the desired Dopplerinteraction may be used. In an alternate embodiment, both high velocityphases of the vibration may be utilized.

FIG. 3 depicts a portion of the channel 5, wherein a vibrating atom 50of side wall 25, 26 has a vibrating range, r. The atoms of the pluralityof crystals 17, or a single crystal, vibrate in directions 55, 56. Whenthe reflected electromagnetic radiation 84 contacts the vibrating atom50 moving in the same direction 56, a red shift occurs, and thefrequency of the reflected electromagnetic radiation 84 is decreased(See FIG. 4). Conversely, if the reflected electromagnetic radiation 84contacts the vibrating atom 50 moving in the opposite direction 55, ablue shift occurs, and the frequency of the reflected electromagneticradiation 84 is increased (See FIG. 5). In one embodiment, thevibrations of multiple vibrating atoms 50 are synchronized.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the channel 205 may be constructed such thatside walls 225, 226 vibrate in an opposite phase of each other. Forexample, if the inside edge of side wall 225 is vibrating in onedirection (e.g. to the right), then the opposite side wall 226 mayvibrate in the opposite direction (e.g. to the left). This principle maybe referred to as “synchronized-vibration” for the purposes ofillustration and explanation of the following embodiments of the presentinvention.

In one embodiment, depicted in FIG. 6, the channel 205 may have two sidewalls 225, 226 constructed out of separate but identical crystal, whichis capable of vibrating at high to ultrahigh frequencies to performdesired Doppler shifts. The crystal need not be exactly identical, butnear as practicable to each other. The side walls 225, 226 may movetoward each other, and simultaneously may move away from each other; theside walls 225, 226 vibrate in opposite phase to achieve“synchronized-vibration.” The side walls 225, 226 may be constructed outof a rigid crystal, such as quartz, and rigid crystals may vibrate atcertain resonant frequencies and harmonics. Placing twolike-manufactured crystals, which comprise side walls 225, 226, in closeproximity to each other, but not so close as to interfere with eachother, when synchronized may vibrate in the same manner. Without anysignificant changes to the local environment surrounding side walls 225,226, “synchronized-vibration” may occur. Once “synchronized-vibration”has been started, a harmonic may continue its harmonic motionindefinitely. Thus, to achieve a desired Doppler shift, each side wall225, 226 may be placed a certain distance, d, apart from each other. Inanother embodiment, there may be an array of side walls 225, 226 placedin a series, as depicted in FIG. 11. Furthermore, the system 200 orarray may be coated with a coating material 45 such as Plexiglas tostrengthen or reinforce the system 200 or array. The coating material 45may slow down the speed the speed of light through the channel 205, butthe net effect may be negligible in terms of the construction of thedevice 200 and may strengthen the device 200, thereby increasing itsdurability and may lessen variations in the counter-phase synchronicityof the side walls 225, 226 caused by external influences.

Referring now to FIG. 7, side walls 325, 326 may not be connected toeach by a planar surface 7, thus having two independent side walls 325,326. Once the channel 305 is constructed, the crystals 315 may be tunedsuch that each crystal 315 may be vibrating in an opposite phase to theadjacent crystal. For example, the crystals 315 of side wall 325 may beconfigured and tuned to vibrate in one direction, and the crystals 315of side wall 326 may be configured and tuned to vibrate in the oppositedirection. In this manner, the two side walls 325, 326 may be bothvibrating towards each other at the same time and opposite each other atthe same time (“synchronized-vibration”). Initially starting thecrystals 315 to vibrate in a given pattern may be done by methods knownto those skilled in the art. Because the adjacent crystals of side walls325, 326 may be in the same environment, subject to the same temperaturevariations, shocks, and like trauma, the net effect may be that thecrystals 315 continue with their harmonic vibrations in the same out ofphase manner as initially set relative to each other. For example, ifone crystal 315 changes in frequency, all of the adjoining crystals maysuffer the same trauma, and may change in the same manner. The harmonicproperties of the crystals 315 will lessen the possibility of gradualdegradation of the counter-synchronicity of the adjoining crystals onceset. Moreover, it is understood that the crystals 315 may be reset, andduring this time maintenance may be performed on the system 300,including but not limited to repair and cleaning.

Returning to the previous example calculating the number of Dopplershifts required to reach the optimal (target) frequency, Fopt, for greenlight, the number of Doppler shifts required is approximately 66,964. Inan embodiment of device 300, the 66,964 Doppler shifts may beaccomplished in 1/10^(th) of ¼ of a cycle. More particularly, if theatoms vibrate at 30,000 hertz, the time frame to perform a Doppler shiftmay be one-quarter of one vibrating cycle. Based on the usefulone-quarter cycle, there is approximately 120 thousandths or 0.00000833seconds (8.33×10⁻⁶) of useful time. In this amount of useful time, lighttraveling at 299,792,458 meters per second may travel 2,498 meters.During the useful phase of a single cycle there may be a total distanceof 249,827 centimeters distance for light to travel during which theuseful cycle occurs. Therefore, if side walls 325, 326 are placed apartfrom each other a distance, d, of 0.373 centimeters, 66,964 Dopplershifts may occur in 1/10^(th) of the ¼^(th) of the useful cycle, and theincident green light has been optimized to reach the optimal (target)electromagnetic radiation 85.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the height of the side walls 325,326 may be set to varying heights, and no particular height may berequired. It is understood that a channel 305 may be on a nanoscale, andmay be configured to operate with various nanotechnology and the like.The only limiting criteria of the channel 305 may be the distance, d,between side walls 325, 326 to eliminate any interference with thevibrations of each side wall 325, 326.

FIGS. 8A and 8B. depict an embodiment of an optimization device 400having a time/distance extender 450 located proximate to side walls 425,426. Because the channel 405 may only utilize one-quarter of theincident electromagnetic radiation 80, it may be desirable to recyclethe incident electromagnetic radiation 80 that is not used. The unusedelectromagnetic radiation may be called waste electromagnetic radiation87. One possible way to recycle waste electromagnetic radiation 87 maybe to construct a time/distance extender (TDE) 450. More than one TDE450 may be used in a given channel 405, and may face each other tofacilitate repeated reflection. The TDE 450 may be a gap with mirrors ora reflective material at each end of the gap with a lens 455 at each endof the reflective material that may allow light which has not beendirected to the target, to be reflected between the minors for asufficient amount of time approximately equal to the amount necessary sothat the side walls 425, 426 have passed through a partial phase of avibration cycle. After a delay, the otherwise waste electromagneticradiation 87 may be redirected to the first end 410 of optimizationdevice 400 or towards the side walls 425 and 426 the lenses 455 maydirect the waste electromagnetic radiation 87 in the TDE 450 to the sidewall where the Doppler shift occurs and the waste electromagneticradiation 87 may then be reflected back through the TDE 450 to theopposite side wall. After sufficient Doppler interactions, the TDE 450may be bypassed and the waste electromagnetic radiation 87 may bedirected to either the target 70 or thereafter recycled to the first end410, or directed through another channel 405 in series or succession.Thus, the waste electromagnetic radiation 87 may be repeatedly recycleduntil it passes through the channel 405 at an optimal phase such that adesired frequency may be obtained. In this manner, the wasteelectromagnetic radiation 87 which may not be otherwise be utilizedbecause it did not pass through the channel 405 during a useful velocityvibration phase, may be time delayed until it passes through the channel405 during a useful velocity vibration phase. With the use of a TDE 450,up to half of the available light may be utilized. For example, if alower frequency is sought, then in such case, the light which is Dopplershifted to a lower frequency and the light which pass through thechannel 405 during the low velocity vibration phase which was just priorto the downward conversion Doppler shift phase may be utilized.

Although waste electromagnetic radiation 87 may be recycled with the useof the TDE 450, incident electromagnetic radiation 80 may also enter thechannel 405 and reflect through the TDE 450 as shown by FIGS. 8A and 8B.The incident electromagnetic radiation 80 may enter the channel 405 andreflect off one of the side walls 425, 426 and contact one of the minorsof the TDE 450. Once the incident electromagnetic radiation 80 entersthe channel 405 and interacts with side wall 425 or side wall 426, itmay be referred to as reflected electromagnetic radiation 84. Thereflected electromagnetic radiation 84 may reflect back and forth withinthe TDE 450 moving in both a horizontal and vertical direction throughthe channel 405. While moving horizontally, the reflectedelectromagnetic radiation 84 may pass through one of the lens 455. Inmany embodiments, there may be four lens 455, but there may also be onlytwo lens 455. Lens 455 may change the angle of reflection and direct thereflected electromagnetic radiation 84 at approximately a 90° towards aside wall 425, 426. The side wall 425, 426 may then reflect thereflected electromagnetic radiation 84 perpendicularly back through lens455, which may again change the angle of reflection, angling thereflected electromagnetic radiation 84 back towards the minors of theTDE 450. Thus, the electromagnetic radiation 84 moves horizontally toone edge of the TDE 450 until it contacts the lens 455, wherein it mayreverse its course and move horizontally towards the opposite edge ofthe TDE 450 until it contacts the opposing lens 455. Simultaneously, thereflected electromagnetic radiation 84 may be moving vertically down thechannel 405 towards the second end 420. This process may continue untilthe reflected electromagnetic radiation 84 has moved vertically down thechannel 405 a sufficient distance where the TDE 450 mirror substrate nolonger extend. In other words, the TDE 450 may be dimensioned to have ashorter height, h, than the height, L, of the side walls 425, 426, asdepicted in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 depicts a channel 505 whereby a single crystal is implemented.The single crystal comprising both side walls 525, 526, may act as astanding wave, and the entire crystal may vibrate consistently. Forexample a single crystal may be in the shape of a tuning fork, wherebyeach prong of the tuning fork may comprise a side wall 525, 526; thevibrating relationship between two points on the inside of the tuningfork design may be consistent. For example, all points on the singlecrystal may move at the same time. Based on this consistent movement ofthe single crystal in the shape of a tuning fork, when the right insideedge of the left fork moves to the left, the left inside edge of theright fork also moves to the left. In accordance with the calculationsdiscussed supra, to obtain a Doppler shift, the inside edge of theopposite side of the fork to be out of phase by one-half cycle.Furthermore, to obtain the desired Doppler shift as the directedincident electromagnetic radiation 82 reflects off each of the insideedges of the channel 505, it may be necessary to cause the space betweenthe two inside edges of the channel 505 to be such that when thedirected incident electromagnetic radiation 82 travels from one insideedge to the opposite inside edge, the opposite inside edge is one-halfof a cycle out of phase to the prior edge.

To shorten the distance, d, between each of the side walls 525, 526, atime/distance extender (TDE) 550 may be inserted between the side walls525, 526 of the channel 505. TDE 550 may be a device that, in effect,holds the light for a given period of time. The TDE 550 may be a gapwith opposing planar surfaces covered by a reflective surface such as amirror and lenses 555 at each end so as to direct the wasteelectromagnetic radiation 87 and/or reflected electromagnetic radiation84 in the TDE 550 to the side wall 525 where the Doppler shift occursand the waste electromagnetic radiation 87 and/or reflectedelectromagnetic radiation 84 may then be reflected back through the TDE550. More than one TDE 550 may be used in a given channel 505, and mayface each other to facilitate repeated reflection. The TDE 550 may alsocause the directed electromagnetic radiation 81 to reflect between itsminors numerous times so as to create a delay in time. However, afterthe light has traveled a considerable distance (back and forth in theTDE), the light may be directed back towards the first end 510 of thechannel 505, or may be directed to an inside edge of the channel 505 toundergo a Doppler shift. In an exemplary embodiment, there is no TDEmedium 560 between the more than one TDE 550. In another embodiment, aTDE medium 560 with a high index of refraction may be positioned betweenthe more than one TDE 550 to add structural support and to lessen theneed to execute many reflections. For example, a TDE medium 560 with ahigh index of refraction may slow the speed of light which may lessenthe distance the light needs to travel.

To determine the distance, d₁, between each TDE 550, consider that theatoms vibrate at 30,000 hertz, and the time frame to perform a Dopplershift may be one-quarter of one vibrating cycle. If a TDE medium 560made out of Plexiglas, which has an index of refraction of 1.51, isplaced between two TDE 550, and the distance, d₁, between the TDEs 550is 3.3 centimeters, the light may reflect 100,000 times in the TDE 550before it hits one of the side walls 525, 526. The number of reflectionsmay be calculated as follows: refraction index (e.g. 1.51 for Plexiglas)divided into the speed of light (i.e. 299,792,458 meters per second)equals a net speed (i.e. 198,538.51 meters per second).

However, other materials may be used as a TDE medium 560. For example, aTDE medium 560 made of silicon may be used, which has a refraction indexof 4.0. The higher the index of refraction of the TDE medium 560, thelower the effective speed of light. For example, if silicon is used asthe TDE medium 560, the net effective speed of light may be reduced toapproximately 74,948,114 meters per second. The net effective speed maybe multiplied by the length of time which passes in one-half cycle; thelight would then need to travel only 1,249 meters to result in a delayof one-half cycle. Thus, if 100,000 reflections between the TDEs 550were desired, the distance, d₁, may be approximately 1.25 centimeters.However, if the distance, d₁, remained at 3.33 centimeters, then theamount of reflections may only be approximately 37,357 in the TDE 550.In yet another non-limiting example, if incident green light needed tobe shifted to red light (target frequency), and the number of requiredDoppler shifts may be 66,964, the total amount of time to create theshift may be 1.116 seconds.

FIG. 10 depicts a Dual Use Single Crystal Solution (DUSCS). DUSCS mayutilize both sides of a single independent crystal as the inside of sidewalls 625, 626 of the channel 605. In this manner, a single, vibratingcrystal may create all the vibrations necessary for the Dopplerinteractions. The DUSCS may eliminate the need to synchronize thevibrations of an independent crystal, and may eliminate the need toimplement a large crystal. The DUSCS may function by having incidentelectromagnetic radiation 80 vibrate off one side of a vibratingcrystal, and then subsequently direct the directed electromagneticradiation 81 towards a time distance extender 650. After the requisitedelay, the time distance extender 650 directs the directedelectromagnetic radiation 81 towards the opposite side of the single,vibrating crystal. This may occur after one-half of the vibration cyclehas passed. Accordingly, the Doppler interactions may always besynchronized because the DUSCS uses the same, vibrating crystal; therealso may not be any phase issues.

Furthermore, the time distance extender 650 may not have to be placedbetween the “forks” of a single crystal because DUSCS employs a single,solid crystal. Thus, the TDE 650 may be constructed having opposingmirrors separated by a distance, d₁, approximately equal to the lengthor width of the optimization device 600. In one embodiment, theoptimization device may be created using one-half meter panels, and thedistance, d₁, between the mirrors attached to the TDEs 650 may beapproximately 50 centimeters. Moreover, if a TDE medium 660, such asPlexiglas is placed between the TDEs 660, only 6,618 reflections may benecessary to result in a one-half cycle time delay if the crystal isvibrating at 30,000 hertz. A further advantage of DUSCS may be thatDUSCS greatly simplifies the needed accuracy in setting the reflectionangles in the TDE 660, and it may also lessen the losses which may occurupon each reflection. In addition, another TDE 660 may be utilized as adelay so as to recycle the incident electromagnetic radiation 80 whichpasses through one-quarter of the channel 605 when the vibration speedis insufficient to provide a beneficial Doppler interaction and achievethe optimal frequency.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the crystal may be any size whichis optimal for manufacturing purposes, and the channel 605 may beconstructed in accordance with the dimensions of the crystal. Forexample, the crystal may be 0.01 cm in height, 0.001 cm in width, and1.0 cm in length.

FIG. 11 depicts a plurality of channels 705 used in series and/orparallel order to form an array of Doppler channels 705 to achieveoptimal Doppler shifting capability. The array of channels 705 may bethe same approximate structure as channel 5 having a first end 710 and asecond end 720, but not all channels 5 may have a focusing member 13.Instead, the directed electromagnetic radiation 81 may travel directlythrough a transparent structural member 790 and into a successiveseparating member 712 of another, proximately located, Doppler Channel5. Therefore, in an array of Doppler channels 705 array, each channel 5and subsequent Doppler channel(s) to which it may be connected may becalculated or tuned to receive and perform a Doppler shift to aparticular range of frequencies. For example, when a channel 5 is tunedto either red shift or blue shift to a particular range of frequencies,incident electromagnetic radiation 80 entering the separating member 712are separated according to the frequencies for which each channel 5 isintended. The separating member 712 may direct the directedelectromagnetic radiation 81 to the series or array of Doppler channels705 tuned specifically to shift and optimize those particularfrequencies. Finally, optimized electromagnetic radiation 85 is producedand may be focused onto a target, wherein the target may operate moreefficiently as a result of the increased amount of optimalelectromagnetic radiation 85 contacting the target. In one exemplaryembodiment, the target may be a photovoltaic material.

Referring now to FIG. 12, with general reference to FIGS. 1-11, anembodiment of a ambient heat conversion device 800 is described.Components such as a planar surface 807, a crystal(s) 817, reflectivesurface 815, and at least two opposing walls 825, 826 may share the sameor substantially the same structure and functions as planar surface 7,crystals (and atoms 50), and the side walls 25, 26 described supra withrespect to other embodiments. However, embodiments of ambient heatconversion device 800 may have a conversion channel 805, the conversionchannel 805 may include a first end 810, a second end 820, at least twoside walls 825, 826. Other embodiments of ambient heat conversion device800 may include a conversion channel 805 including: a first end 810configured to accept ambient electromagnetic radiation 880, the ambientelectromagnetic radiation 880 having an initial frequency, F_(I), asecond end 820 configured to allow the ambient electromagnetic radiation880 to exit, and at least two opposing walls 825, 826 connecting thefirst end 810 and the second end 820, wherein the at least two opposingwalls 825, 826 include one or more crystals, the at least two opposingwalls 825, 826 being separated by at least one-half of a wave length;wherein when the ambient electromagnetic radiation 880 interacts withthe one or more crystals of the at least two opposing side walls 825,826, the initial frequency, F_(I), of the ambient electromagneticradiation 880 being repeatedly increased to an optimal frequency,F_(OPT). Further embodiments of conversion device 800 may include afirst side wall 825 and a second side wall 826 forming a conversionchannel 805, the conversion channel 805 having a first end 810 and asecond end 820, wherein the first side wall 825 is constructed out ofone or more crystals and the second side wall 826 is a reflectivesurface; wherein the conversion channel 805 captures ambient infraredradiation 880 having an initial frequency, F_(I), from an environmentproximate the first end 810, and repeatedly increases the initialfrequency, F_(I), to an optimal frequency, F_(opt), through a pluralityof interactions between the ambient infrared radiation 880 and at leastone atom 50 of one or more crystals making up the first side wall 825,further wherein the at least one atom 50 is moving toward the incominginfrared radiation 880 during a single interaction.

The ambient heat conversion device 800 follows the scientific principlethat when electromagnetic radiation reflects off a moving object, thefrequency of the reflected radiation becomes wither high (i.e. blueshifted) or lower (i.e. red shifted), depending on the relative speed ofthe object towards the light source. If an object, such as an atom 50 ofa crystal in a side wall 825, 826, is moving toward the light source,such as ambient electromagnetic radiation 880, the frequency may becomehigher (i.e. blue shifted). The one or more crystals used in conversiondevice 800 may include Silicon, SiO₂, LiNbO₃, GaAs, GeAsSe, BaF₂, ZnSe,ZnS, Al₂O₃, ceramics, metals, carbon, diamond, beryllium, iron, brass,copper, tin, nickel, chromium, magnesium, barium titanate, zincsulphide, tourmaline, hydrogen phosphate, magnesium oxide, siliconnitrate, silicon carbon, hafnium, reflective gas, reflective liquid, orany combinations or mixtures thereof.

Ambient heat, ambient electromagnetic radiation, ambient infraredradiation, and the like, may not always have an initial frequency,F_(I), high enough to meet a threshold to produce, or be converted intoelectricity. Thus, conversion device 800 may repeatedly upshift, orblueshift, the ambient electromagnetic radiation 880 through repeatedDoppler interactions within the conversion device 800 until theresulting frequency is high enough so that electricity will be producedwhen the blueshifted radiation interacts with a target 70, such as aphotovoltaic device. For example, the initial frequency, F_(I), ofambient electromagnetic radiation 880 may need to be increased to4.1×10¹⁴ Hz. The resultant radiation, or the blueshifted radiation thatinteracts with a target 70 may be referred to as optimal radiation 885,and may have an optimal frequency, F_(OPT). Generally, the difficulty inproducing/causing the required blue shift is that the energy required toachieve the speeds/velocity necessary to obtain such a Doppler shift(e.g. blue shift) may greatly exceed any useful energy which mightthereby be produced. Thus, the conversion device 800 can solve thisproblem by harnessing the movements or vibrations of matter (e.g.movements and/or vibrations of the crystal atoms 50 in a side wall 825,826) which may naturally occur in a non-zero temperature environment.For instance, the conversion device 800 may utilize the vibrationmovement which already exists or takes place in various environments. Tothe extent heat energy is converted into electricity, the ambient heatenergy replaces the loss; accordingly, the conversion device 800 mayutilize an unlimited source of “free” energy anywhere on the planet.

Moreover, the conversion device 800 may be designed to obtain numerousDoppler shifts during a single favorable vibration phase of an atom,such as a crystal atom 50. If the initial frequency, F_(I), of ambientelectromagnetic radiation 880 are high enough and if vibrationspeeds/velocity are fast enough, it may be possible that all Dopplerinteractions can occur during a single vibration phase of an atom, andmay eliminate a need for a time distance extender, such as TDE 450, 550,650. Examples of this situation may be co-generation environmentswherein “waste” heat is generated, such as in nuclear and fossil fuelpower plants, in high temperature industrial processes, or enginecompartments. Thus, embodiments of conversion device 800 may harvestelectricity from waste, or unused emitted heat/energy.

Referring still to FIG. 12, the ambient, or background, electromagneticradiation 880, such as infrared radiation, may be captured, collected,accepted, etc., proximate the first end 810 of the device 800. The firstend 810 of the device may also be referred to as an input end. At theinput end, or first end 810, of the device, the ambient electromagneticradiation 880 may also be focused and directed into the channel 805.However, in many embodiments, the conversion device 800 need not directthe radiation 880 through a frequency splitter proximate the first end810 because the ambient temperature and the frequency may be relativelyconsistent. The conversion device 800 may be designed or customized to atemperature range of a particular location or environment to increasethe consistency of the radiation 880. Furthermore, in environments orlocations which emit more heat, and thus emit higher frequencyradiation, the conversion device 800 need not optimize the frequencyproximate the first end 810.

As the ambient radiation 880 enters the first end 810 of the device 800,the radiation, having an initial frequency, F_(I), can contact or bedirected to contact one of the side walls 825, 826 of the channel 805.The angle at which the ambient radiation entering the channel 805contacts one of the side walls 825, 826, may be at any angle; however,in many embodiments the angle of interaction is close to perpendicular.Embodiments of conversion device 800 mat include a lens, prism, minor,and the like to direct the incoming ambient electromagnetic radiation atspecific angles depending on the desired Doppler interaction with theside walls 825, 826, and crystals therein. Upon reflecting off one ofthe side walls 825, the ambient radiation 880 is blue shifted (i.e.increase frequency), and continues towards the opposing side wall 826for another Doppler interaction (i.e. another blue shift). The sidewalls 825, 826 of channel 805 of conversion device 800 may be separatedby only a very small distance to obtain numerous Doppler shifts (i.e.blue shifts) during a single favorable vibration phase of an atom. Forexample, the distance between a first side wall 825 and a second sidewall 826 may be at least one half of a wave length, wherein the wavelength is determined by the initial frequency, F_(I), of the ambientradiation 880. In other words, the opposing side walls 825, 826 may beseparated by at least 5,000 nanometers. Further embodiments of theconversion device 800 may construct the side walls 825, 826 somemultiple of half wave lengths apart from each other to promoteuniformity on construction of the device 800. In addition to theuniformity in construction, increased efficiencies due to harmonics canbe obtained if the side walls 825, 826 are separated by a multiple ofhalf wave lengths. Furthermore, at least one of the opposing side walls825, 826 may include or be made of a single or a plurality of crystals.If only one side wall 825 includes or is made of a plurality ofcrystals, the opposing side wall 826 may be a reflective surface. Inmany embodiments, both of the side walls 825, 826 include a plurality ofcrystals, wherein the crystals may vibrate, setting the atoms 50 inmotion either toward or away any incoming ambient or reflectedradiation. If one of the side walls 826 utilizes a mirrored substance,the reflections from the mirrored substance may be random; therefore,most (potentially all) useful Doppler interactions may occur from theinteraction between the radiation (ambient or reflected) and thevibrating atoms 50 of the side wall 825 containing, or made ofcrystal(s). It is contemplated that if only one side wall 825 includes aplurality of crystals, no synchronization may be needed, therebysimplifying construction.

Alternatively, if both opposing side walls 825, 826 utilize, include,are constructed of, etc., one or more crystals, then useful interactionsmay occur from the interaction between the radiation (ambient orreflected) and the vibrating atoms 50 of both of the opposing side walls825, 826. In embodiments where both of the side walls 825, 826 utilizecrystals, there may be a need for synchronization. Synchronizationinvolves synchronizing the crystals in the opposing side walls 825, 826so that the atoms 50 of the crystals in the first side wall 825vibrate/move towards the atoms 50 of the crystals in the second sidewall 826 at the same time so that the ambient radiation 880 beingreflected off of the opposing side walls 825, 826 during a favorablevibration phase shall Doppler shift in the same manner (i.e. both blueshift). However, the need for synchronization may depend on thedifferent between the initial frequency, F_(I), of the ambient radiation880 and the desired or optimal frequency, F_(opt). For example, if thedesired frequency shift (e.g. change in frequency (Hz), or desiredincrease in frequency) is small, then non-synchronized Doppler sidewalls 825, 826 may be used as, statistically, favorable interactions mayoccur sufficiently often so as to result in a favorable net increase infrequency. In contrast, if a greater frequency shift is needed, the sidewalls 825, 826 may be synchronized for optimum results. One method ofsynchronization may include applying an electrical charge to theconversion device 800, in particular, to the side walls 825, 826. Thosehaving skill in the art should appreciate that different means may beused to apply an electrical charge, for example, a regulator may provideor apply the electrical charge sufficient to cause synchronization ofthe crystal atoms 50 in the side walls 825, 826. Furthermore, theresonance frequency (i.e. frequency of the vibrating crystals) may beselected so that it is slightly above the resonance frequency that wouldoccur near the ambient temperature level. In this manner, the bulk ofthe energy causing the Doppler interaction may be that supplied by theambient heat as opposed to the electrical charge causing the resonance.One purpose of the resonance may be to synchronize the timing such thatfavorable Doppler interactions occur. For instance, higher resonancefrequencies can be applied, but may result in a need for a greater inputenergy (i.e. other than from the ambient area). Therefore, once adesired frequency is obtained, the emitted radiation 885 may be directedto target 70, such as a PV cell, wherein the target 70 may generateelectricity.

Moreover, approximately 3650 Doppler interactions can occur during asingle positive vibration phase of an atom. Accordingly, the Dopplershift/change in frequency during a single positive vibration phase of anatom may be 3.24×10¹¹ Hz. By determining the initial frequency, F_(I),or input frequency, and calculating, determining, utilizing, and/orproviding the required/desired optimal frequency, F_(opt), or outputfrequency, the conversion device 800 may be constructed, dimensioned,structured, etc., to achieve the necessary number of Dopplerinteractions. For example, if the amount of the required blueshift(frequency shift—increase) is greater than what can be achieved during asingle favorable phase of a vibration of an atom (e.g. 3.24×10¹¹), thenthe reflected radiation may be directed through a time distance extender450, 550, 650 after each favorable vibration phase and then redirectedto one of the side walls 825, 826 to achieve repeated favorable Dopplerblue shifts until the optimal frequency, F_(opt), is reached.

Furthermore, the frequency of the radiation passing through the channel805 may be split proximate the second end 820, or output end, such thatthe radiation having a frequency equal to the optimal frequency,F_(opt), may be directed towards the target 70, and the radiation havinga lower frequency than the optimal frequency, F_(opt), may be redirectedto same device 800 or another device 800 placed in series or parallel.However, radiation having a frequency lower than the optimal frequency,F_(opt), (e.g. waste energy) may not be a concern because it will beconverted into ambient heat that may increase the ambient temperature,thereby increasing the vibration speed of the crystal atoms and theinitial frequency, F_(I), of the ambient radiation 880. If the device800 is placed in a higher ambient temperature environment, such as thecooling towers in an industrial or traditional power generationfacility, the device 800 may be designed so that all or most of theDoppler interactions may occur during a useful phase of one vibration ofan atom 50.

Referring still to FIG. 12, an embodiment of a ambient heat conversiondevice 800 may be described in the following example: If the device 800is placed in an environment where the ambient temperature is 55° F. (286K), such as an average basement environment, the ambient radiation 880has an average wave length of 10,133 nanometers and an initialfrequency, F_(I), of 2.958575×10¹³ Hz, and the desired optimalfrequency, F_(opt), is 4.1×10¹⁴ Hz, then a frequency shift (i.e. blueshift—increase in frequency) of 3.804×10¹⁴ Hz is needed. Because theambient temperature is 55° F. (286K), this example assumes that theaverage speed of the atom 50 is 900 meters per second (m/s). Therefore,the average Doppler shift (i.e. change in frequency) per interaction(i.e. radiation contacting vibrating crystal of side walls 825, 826) isapproximately 8.9×10⁷ Hz. Further, if the average favorable distance ofthe vibration during a favorable vibration phase is 111 nanometers (i.e.width of the atom 50, for example, a silicone atom) at 900 meters perseconds for 1.233×10⁻¹⁰ seconds, during which time radiation wouldtravel 0.0369744 meters, then 3650 favorable Doppler interactions (e.g.of 10,132 nanometers) may occur during a single favorable vibrationphase of an atom 50. The 3650 Doppler interactions may result in afrequency shift/increase of 3.24×10¹¹ Hz, which depending on the initialfrequency, F_(I), and the optimal frequency, F_(opt), may result in afavorable frequency change after a single favorable interaction. Toachieve the optimal frequency, F_(opt), of 4.1×10¹⁴ in this example, atotal of 4,274,382 Doppler interactions would be required. Because 3650Doppler interactions occur during a single favorable vibration phase,the optimal frequency, F_(opt), may be achieved with 1,171 favorableatom 50 vibration phase interactions. Because the distance between eachinteraction is on the micron level, the duration of all of theinteractions may be 4.5×10⁻⁷ seconds. One having skill in the art shouldunderstand that thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions, etc., ofDoppler interactions may occur each second to constantly convert ambientheat and radiation to an optimal frequency, F_(opt), which is directedto a target 70 to generate electricity. A lens, prism, minor, and thelike may be used to direct the emitted radiation 885 toward the target70. Those skilled in the art should also appreciate that the variablesused in the above example may change, and may vary based on theenvironment and target 70 requirements. For instance, the distance ofvibration may be more than or less than the width of an atom 50.

Some of the advantages of conversion device 800 include low cost forproducing energy, especially considering the alternative methods ofproducing energy may be costly, unfeasible, unsustainable, and the like.Conversion device 800 may not be dependent on wind, tides, sunlight, orany of the ephemeral needs which are generally associated withgreen/clean energy. Additionally, device 800 operates continuously onceplaced in its environment, and may not need/require backup generators.For example, the ambient heat in an environment may be recharged by theambient heat from an adjacent area. The conversion device 800 may alsobe placed/installed in numerous environments, including basements,foundations, tunnels, caves, inside of electrical device, enginecompartments. This flexibility in placement may eliminate the need fortransmission lines, which are costly and a source for energy loss.Furthermore, device 800 may consistently and continuously producerenewable energy at night in hostile environments, such as abattlefield, lessening or possibly eliminating the need for logisticalsupplies.

Moreover, the device 800 is lightweight and small which may easetransport and handling of the same. Due to the compact nature of thedevice 800, it may be used/utilized as a charger or a power cell batterysource. For instance, it could be built into cellular phones or otherelectronic devices to provide a primary or back power source. Inaddition, the device could be constructed to provide an efficientinfrared radiation collector. It is further contemplated that hundred,thousand, even millions of devices 800 may be placed on a single chip,even if each device 800 only produces a small amount of electricity theaggregate effect may be sufficient. Embodiments of the device 800 may beused for other applications in addition to those expressly disclosedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-12, embodiments of a method of optimizingelectromagnetic radiation is also disclosed. The method of optimizingelectromagnetic radiation may comprise the following steps: providing achannel having a first end, a separator positioned proximate the firstend, a second end, a focusing member positioned proximate the secondend, at least two parallel walls having an reflective surface, whereinthe at least two parallel side walls connect the first end and thesecond end, and at least one absorption area located on the reflectivesurface, vibrating the at least two parallel walls, wherein the parallelwalls contain at least one crystal capable of vibration, directing theincoming electromagnetic radiation toward the at least two parallelwalls, wherein contact between the incoming electromagnetic radiationand the vibration of the at least one crystal alters a frequency of theelectromagnetic radiation toward the optimal frequency.

The method may also comprise the steps of: determining an optimalfrequency relative to a usable frequency of a target, separating anincoming electromagnetic radiation into component frequencies, passingthe optimal frequency through the second end, capturing a portion of theincoming electromagnetic radiation in the absorption area to cause thevibration, inserting a pair of minors between the at least two sidewalls, and positioning the target near the second end.

Another embodiment of a method of optimizing electromagnetic radiationfrequency to increase the efficiency of a photovoltaic cell may includethe steps of providing a crystal positioned in a channel undergoing avibration, wherein an interaction between an incoming electromagneticradiation and the vibration of the crystal optimizes a frequency of theelectromagnetic radiation, accepting the incoming electromagneticradiation from a source through the first end, shifting the frequency ofthe electromagnetic radiation within the channel to achieve an optimalfrequency of the electromagnetic radiation, and positioning aphotovoltaic material a distance away from the channel.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-12, an embodiment of a method of convertingambient heat to electricity may include the steps of providing aconversion device 800 including: a first end 810 configured to acceptambient electromagnetic radiation 880, the ambient electromagneticradiation 880 having an initial frequency, F_(I), a second end 820configured to allow the ambient electromagnetic radiation 880 to exit;and at least two opposing walls 825, 826 connecting the first end 810and the second end 820, wherein the at least two opposing walls 825, 826include at least one crystal, the at least two opposing walls 825, 826being separated by at least one-half of a wave length, utilizingvibration of the at least one crystal least two opposing walls 825, 826,wherein the vibration causes atoms of one or more crystals to move in adirection towards the accepted ambient electromagnetic radiation 880,and repeatedly increasing the initial frequency, F_(I), of the ambientelectromagnetic radiation 880 through interactions with the at least twoopposing walls 825, 826 until the ambient electromagnetic radiation 880reaches an optimal frequency, F_(opt). Embodiments of this may furtherinclude the steps of obtaining an optimal frequency, F_(opt) relative toa usable frequency of a target 70, dividing the incoming ambientelectromagnetic radiation into component frequencies, passing theambient electromagnetic radiation 880 through the second end 820,providing a pair of reflective surfaces between said at least two sidewalls 825, 826, extending a time and a distance in which the ambientelectromagnetic radiation 880 travels within the conversion device 800,and placing a target 700 proximate or otherwise near the second end 820.In one embodiment, the target may be a semiconductor. In anotherembodiment, the target may be a photovoltaic cell. Furthermore, theconversion device 800 may be placed in at least one of a hightemperature environment and a low temperature environment.

Various modifications and variations of the described apparatus andmethod will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention. Although this invention hasbeen described in connection with specific embodiments, outlined above,it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limitedto such specific embodiments. Various changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A device comprising: a conversion channel including: a first endconfigured to accept ambient electromagnetic radiation, the ambientelectromagnetic radiation having an initial frequency; a second endconfigured to allow the ambient electromagnetic radiation to exit; andat least two opposing walls connecting the first end and the second end,wherein the at least two opposing walls include one or more crystals,the at least two opposing walls being separated by at least one-half ofa wave length; wherein when the ambient electromagnetic radiationinteracts with the one or more crystals of the at least two opposingside walls, the initial frequency of the ambient electromagneticradiation being repeatedly increased to an optimal frequency.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the optimal frequency is high enough toproduce electricity.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the ambientelectromagnetic radiation exiting the conversion channel radiates towarda target.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the target is asemiconductor.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the target is aphotovoltaic cell.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or morecrystals comprises a material selected from a group consisting of:Silicon, SiO₂, LiNbO₃, GaAs, GeAsSe, BaF₂, ZnSe, ZnS, Al₂O₃, ceramics,metals, carbon, diamond, beryllium, iron, brass, copper, tin, nickel,chromium, magnesium, barium titanate, zinc sulphide, tourmaline,hydrogen phosphate, magnesium oxide, silicon nitrate, silicon carbon,hafnium, reflective gas, reflective liquid, or any combinations ormixtures thereof.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein a planar surface isin communication with the at least two opposed side walls and the firstend and the second end.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein more than oneconversion channel is positioned in succession.
 9. The device of claim1, wherein the at least two opposing walls are separated by at least5,000 nanometers.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein an electric chargeis applied to the conversion channel to synchronize an initial movementof the plurality of crystals.
 11. A device comprising: a first side walland a second side wall connected forming a conversion channel, theconversion channel having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst side wall is constructed out of one or more crystals and thesecond side wall is a reflective surface; wherein the conversion channelcaptures ambient infrared radiation having an initial frequency from anenvironment proximate the first end, and repeatedly increases theinitial frequency to an optimal frequency through a plurality ofinteractions between the ambient infrared radiation and at least oneatom of the one or more crystals making up the first side wall, furtherwherein the at least one atom is moving toward the incoming infraredradiation during a single interaction.
 12. The device of claim 11,wherein the conversion channel is placed proximate a photovoltaic cell.13. The device of claim 11, wherein the optimal frequency is high enoughto convert to electricity.
 14. The device of claim 11, wherein vibrationof the one or more crystals causes the at least one atom to move. 15.The device of claim 11, wherein the one or more crystals comprises amaterial selected from a group consisting of: Silicon, SiO₂, LiNbO₃,GaAs, GeAsSe, BaF₂, ZnSe, ZnS, Al₂O₃, ceramics, metals, carbon, diamond,beryllium, iron, brass, copper, tin, nickel, chromium, magnesium, bariumtitanate, zinc sulphide, tourmaline, hydrogen phosphate, magnesiumoxide, silicon nitrate, silicon carbon, hafnium, reflective gas,reflective liquid, or any combinations or mixtures thereof.
 16. A methodof converting ambient heat to electricity comprising: providing aconversion device including: a first end configured to accept ambientelectromagnetic radiation, the ambient electromagnetic radiation havingan initial frequency; a second end configured to allow the ambientelectromagnetic radiation to exit; and at least two opposing wallsconnecting the first end and the second end, wherein the at least twoopposing walls include one or more crystals, the at least two opposingwalls being separated by at least one-half of a wave length; utilizingvibration of one or more crystals making up the at least two opposingwalls, wherein the vibration causes atoms of one or more crystals tomove in a direction towards the accepted ambient electromagneticradiation; and repeatedly increasing the initial frequency of theambient electromagnetic radiation through interactions with the at leasttwo opposing walls until the ambient electromagnetic radiation reachesan optimal frequency.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:obtaining an optimal frequency relative to a usable frequency of atarget; dividing an incoming ambient electromagnetic radiation intocomponent frequencies; passing the ambient electromagnetic radiationthrough the second end; providing a pair of reflective surfaces betweenthe at least two side walls; extending a time and a distance in whichsaid ambient electromagnetic radiation travels within said conversiondevice; and placing a target near said second end.
 18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said target is a semiconductor.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the target is a photovoltaic cell.
 20. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the one or more crystals comprises a material selectedfrom a group consisting of: Silicon, SiO₂, LiNbO₃, GaAs, GeAsSe, BaF₂,ZnSe, ZnS, Al₂O₃, ceramics, metals, carbon, diamond, beryllium, iron,brass, copper, tin, nickel, chromium, magnesium, barium titanate, zincsulphide, tourmaline, hydrogen phosphate, magnesium oxide, siliconnitrate, silicon carbon, hafnium, reflective gas, reflective liquid, orany combinations or mixtures thereof.